Benefits of LCD monitor

Benefits of LCD monitor

The liquid crystal display (LCD) technology has been used in several electronic products over the years. Now this technology has invaded the field of computer and LCD monitors are fast replacing cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. There are more reasons for LCDs to be more endearing than CRTs than just the “LCDs are cool and CRTs are history‒ factor. Some of the major reasons are:

• Cost effective
• Energy efficient
• Space economy
• Reduced radiation
• Lighter weight
• Less eyestrain
• Improved image quality/contrast
• Better screen privacy
• Available in various sizes
• Fewer harmful chemicals

1. Cost effective

Although LCDs started off with a way-too-costly-for-me status, the prices are fast reducing. Today, LCDs are more affordable and considering its long term benefits, are considered cost-effective.

2. Energy efficient

LCDs offer high amount of energy savings over its total life span. In general, LCDs consume half to two-thirds of the energy required by a conventional CRT monitor. Further, STAR rated LCDs offer even higher savings in energy. Several websites provide web-based calculators that can be used to ascertain the exact energy savings through the purchase of a LCD monitor. Also, LCD monitors require lesser lighting conditions as compared to CRT’s. This means lesser lights and savings in energy and electricity charges.

Space economy

LCDs commonly referred to as flat screen monitors provide savings not only in terms of cost and energy, but also space. For an individual this means more table space to work and more space to move around. For an organization, this means more space for employees, meaning more employees can be accommodated in lesser space and ultimately this means cost savings in office space.

Reduced radiation

LCDs generate much lesser heat compared to the radiation emanated from CRTs. This not only means lesser stress for the user, but also lowers the need for air-conditioning. Lower air-conditioning contributes to lesser electricity bills, and ultimately lesser energy costs.

One of the other major benefits of LCD monitors relates to health benefits. Continuous exposure to monitors is the cause of various health problems such as migraine headaches, nausea and dizziness, loss of focus, disorientation, eye pain or grittiness in eyes, sore throat, increased metabolism, lack of sleep, and irritation. These problems are cause by Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Extra Low Frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation from CRT monitors. LCDs, on the other hand, do not emit such radiations and are a better choice. Lesser radiation implies lesser health problems and allergies.

Lighter weight

CRT monitors are bulky and heavy, LCD’s on the other hand are light and easily manageable. Although a user is unlikely to carry around their systems or monitors every day, when the user does have to move to other desks or transport their systems for whatever reasons, LCD’s would be more light and conveyable, when compared to CRT’s.

Lesser eyestrain

CRT monitors are smaller and more stressful on the eyes. While LCD monitors allow a user to see images and read text, better and more easily. LCD monitors offers the following benefits. LCD’s:

• Are free from flickering
• Eliminate geometric screen distortions on the edges of the screen
• Offer uniform screen brightness
• Reduce glare

The above features of LCD monitors translate to reduced headaches and lesser eyestrain for users.

Improved image quality

Sharpness of image is another great benefit of LCD monitors. LCD monitors do not flicker and every specific aspect in an image is displayed using individual pixel element, adding to the picture quality and clarity.

Better screen privacy

LCDs have a smaller viewing angle, meaning the user can view the contents displayed on the screen only if the user is at a particular angle. Although this can be a disadvantage in certain circumstances, it is also an advantage by providing screen privacy for the user.

Available in various sizes

Unlike CRT’s, LCD monitors are available in different sizes enabling the user to choose a size that fits the user’s requirements and wallet.

Fewer harmful chemicals

Standard CRT’s include glass, mercury, lead and other substances harmful to the environment when disposed. LCD monitors have fewer such elements and pose lesser problems to ecological safety.